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Join Laura for a free mat Pilates class on Thur., Nov. 28, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. CT via Zoom. We've taught morning classes (both mat and equipment) since 2018, and a mat Pilates class can help you feel better all day long.
How do I sign up for the free mat Pilates class?
Read on to learn about what to expect in class and what equipment you can bring.
What to expect in a Mat Pilates ATX online mat class?
Come ready to connect your breath and your body and get moving with exercises that flex, extend and rotate your body while standing, lying down, sitting.
Sounds simple, right?
It's kinda simple! Sometimes our brains want to make new things complicated because we're a little nervous. But don't worry, I know how to help.
Our mat class is "open level," which means we teach in way that encourages you to work at your level of experience, stamina, and strength. This free exercise class on Thanksgiving Day includes at least 15 mat Pilates exercises. On the mat, you can expect to:
Start standing up and move our neck and shoulders, find some length in our back and spine, connect our breath to large movements of our arms and legs.
Then go to your mat for the rest of the class. (We recommend a thick Pilates mat, two thinner mats, or a thin mat with a towel on top for comfort.)
Learn a variety of exercises on your back, on your side, and on your stomach
Practice paying attention to your breath and rhythms to help engage core muscles in every exercise.
Practice both small, controlled movements that are part of all Pilates exercises as well as the intentional, focused movements of your arms and legs.
What do I wear to a mat Pilates class?
We suggest fitted exercise clothing that let you move easily, such as workout leggings or exercise tights, fitted exercise pants like cuffed jogging pants, or bike shorts; and on top, wear a short sleeve (or sleeveless) fitted t-shirt or dry-fit workout shirt.
You'll need a sticky mat at least 5/8" thick and at least one hand towel and a large towel. If you have easy access to a yoga strap; OR one leg of an old pair of leggings, tights or pantyhose; OR 5-foot elastic band, please bring those.
What technology do I need for an online Pilates class? You'll want a smart phone, tablet or computer that runs Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Chromium Edge. Another option is to download the free Zoom app for iOS and Android.
Do I need to turn on my camera for mat class? Yes, please turn on your camera when we log on to Zoom so that we can introduce ourselves.
Do you need to see me during class? How do I know if I'm doing it right?
You are welcome to leave your camera on. This online mat class is taught in a "follow along" style so you can watch the teacher and see what an exercise looks like. Then, pay attention to what you can control: how and when you breathe, and where you exert energy. (Our regular mat classes at Circle C Community Center are taught in a traditional Pilates style; the teacher may demonstrate a few exercises and also walk the room while teaching to answer questions or offer suggestions.)
When we're new to Pilates, we may wonder if we're doing it "right." I tell new students that if you're thinking this aloud or in your head, and you are breathing and paying attention to your movement, then the answer is always YES.
Why does this happen? Because it takes effort to pay attention, learn something new, and exert mental and physical energy. When exercising feels hard, we might berate ourselves. If it feels easy, we wonder if we're doing it wrong, wasting our time, taking the wrong class, etc. Neither one feels good! Our favorite strategy to enjoy class is to control how you are breathing, keep listening and keep moving.
When you have questions about exercises during the class, you can turn on your microphone and ask for clarification. We'll also have a few minutes after class for Q&A and conversation.
On Thanksgiving and every day, we are grateful to move our bodies and feel relaxed and strong.
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